Game 5 ratings double those of a season ago

Wednesday’s Game 5 of the WNBA finals doubled the ratings for Game 5 one year ago.

The game, on ESPN, featured the Lynx leading wire-to-wire, beating the Sparks to clinch the series 3-2. It was the highest-rated Game 5 since 2003, with a 0.8 metered market rating.

The entire series averaged a 0.5 rating, up 24 percent from a year ago.

In the Twin Cities market, the game generated a 7.9 rating. The remaining top five markets: Hartford, Conn. (2.4), New Orleans (1.4), Louisville, Ky. (1.4) and Birmingham, Ala. (1.2).

Meanwhile, don’t forget, the celebratory parade begins tonight at 6:30 at 12th Ave. SE and University Ave., goes down University to Williams Arena, where there will be a celebration starting at 7:15. Both are open to the public and free.